FCA Girls Northeast Lacrosse Team to Compete in First Tournament

Rochester, NY – June 17, 2016 – History will be made this weekend when FCA’s Girls Upstate 2021 team competes in the Laxin’ Out Loud Tournament in Bel Air, Maryland on June 18 and 19. While the FCA Northeast boys program has grown to nearly 300 players since 2000, this is the ministry’s first girls team which was formed in Spring 2016 when FCA leadership saw a clear need for starting a girls lacrosse program in the Northeast.

“We’re looking to have these girls achieve a very high level of lacrosse during their tournament play. When our FCA teams are on the field, they are very competitive – they play hard and they show character,” said Solomon Bliss, FCA’s Camps and Community Coordinator who oversees both the boys’ and girls’ lacrosse programs.

Assistant Coach Paula Mitchell, who has been coaching youth boys for the past five years, is excited to be back in the girls’ game both for the competitive piece and the character-building aspects. “The girls work very well together and it will be great to see how we match up competitively, and it’s great having the opportunity to pray as a team before games, and outwardly express our praise to Him afterwards,” Mitchell said.

Head Coach Larry DiGiovanni describes his involvement with FCA this year as ‘a different experience’ that has made coaching about much more than just teaching the girls the mechanics of the sport. “Being part of an established, well-respected worldwide organization has equipped me with such a positive vision and message that I can help facilitate and communicate to our young athletes.

“Coaching for FCA is fulfilling me both spiritually and athletically, and I believe it is having the same effect on the girls. Working with a group of girls, coaches and support staff that truly care about each other, the sport of lacrosse, and deepening their relationship with Christ is a highlight for me, and the girls are gaining great exposure to other events through this new FCA program. As the first FCA girls team in Rochester, we are looked at as ‘pioneers’ or ‘start up team,’ yet, at the same time, we are part of a much larger organization. Being a ‘pioneer’ takes courage and trust. The girls and families that chose to participate in the 2021 FCA team had the courage and trust needed to help make this opportunity become a reality,” DiGiovanni said.

The 2021 Girls team will be competing in the Demi Lovato bracket. For further tournament details, please click here.

Since 1954, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes has been challenging coaches and athletes on the professional, college, high school, junior high and youth levels to use the powerful medium of athletics to impact the world for Jesus Christ. FCA focuses on serving local communities by equipping, empowering and encouraging people to make a difference for Christ – to see the world impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes.